Inside a military fort in the Northern Wasteland, Fan Shang unhurriedly finished the last piece of steamed bread. He lifted his bowl and drank the stewed duck soup. The fragrant, slightly scalding broth warmed his whole body, drawing a light sweat from him.
He coughed, set down his bowl and chopsticks, and a servant naturally brought over a basin of hot water.
He picked up an exquisite soft cloth and wiped the corners of his mouth, rinsed with mouthwash, then began washing his face and hands. Once he was clean, he waved a hand. The servant bowed and carried the basin away.
He leaned back comfortably in his padded chair and sighed. "Using people is still better. Creators always feel like tools from the workshops—there's none of that feeling to it."
His student An Shu said from beside him, "Teacher is right."
Fan Shang said, "Any news today?"
An Shu replied, "According to the Radiant Transmission, Master Craftsman Fei was captured by the Profound Residence."
Fan Shang's expression remained unchanged. "It doesn't matter. Fei Liao was probably using a substitute body. Let them capture him. What else?"
An Shu said, "Nothing else."
Fan Shang smiled. "It seems this Zhang Xuanzheng of the Profound Residence has only these tricks, haha. No matter how things change within the continent, I'm not serving them anyway."
After thinking for a moment, he said, "Right, when did the fleet say it would depart?"
An Shu said, "Teacher, I already asked. The fleet's operation went smoothly yesterday. At the soonest, it will set out this afternoon."
Fan Shang said, "Good. If the fleet encounters no further delays on the way, we can reach Jade Capital in half a month at most. Once we get there and meet that person, I should be able to secure a